The hybrid's roar split the night like thunder. Cracks raced along the alley walls as its energy spiked, violet flames twisting into a monstrous aura. Even with all three of them fighting, the creature refused to fall.
"Damn it—this thing just won't quit!" Kial yelled, his chi flaring as he blocked a strike that nearly caved the ground beneath him.
Okarun blurred past,his speed leaving afterimages. "We're not strong enough to finish it yet. We need a plan!"
Momo, sweat trickling down her temple, kept her psychic barrier up as the hybrid's attacks battered against it. "There's one place we can regroup—Grandma's house!"
Okarun's eyes widened mid-dodge. "You mean Seiko's place?"
"She's dealt with worse!" Momo shouted. "We just have to make it there alive!"
Kial smashed his fist into the ground, releasing a wide chi burst that threw up a curtain of dust and debris. "That'll buy us a few seconds—move!"
They sprinted down the street, the city blurring around them. Behind them, the hybrid roared and tore through walls like paper, pursuing them with terrifying speed. Okarun zipped ahead, darting between cars and shattered streetlights, using his velocity to scout ahead.
Momo's psychic aura shimmered, lifting rubble from their path while throwing loose debris back to slow the monster down. Kial ran beside her, golden chi spiraling around his arms to block stray projectiles and energy blasts.
"You sure your grandma's cool with this kind of guest?" Kial shouted, ducking as a neon sign exploded nearby.
"She's probably already making tea!" Momo shot back, her voice strained but determined.
As they neared the old neighborhood, the streets grew quieter, older—the air thicker with that familiar spiritual energy. The hybrid screeched from behind, slamming into an invisible wall of wards. Sparks flew as the creature howled in fury.
Okarun skidded to a stop. "The barrier—Seiko's house has its own spiritual defense!"
Momo turned, breathing hard. "Good thing she never took it down."
Kial looked back at the writhing creature struggling against the invisible forcefield, violet energy crackling violently. "It's not gonna hold for long."
Momo nodded. "Then we need answers fast."
The three rushed through the gate, the air inside the barrier feeling oddly calm. Inside, the old wooden house glowed faintly with protective energy.
And on the porch, sipping tea like nothing was happening, Seiko Ayase smiled faintly."Well," she said, setting down her cup, "looks like you kids brought me another mess to clean up